Gamâl

Grape to my vine, tomato to my garden,
she exchanges green for richer color—
softens, brims, and with her fullness
tugs the stem.

Slowly, slowly—only when she stills
and quiets, will I release her,
and she, me.

Psalm 131:2

A previous contributor to Mothers Always Write, Shanna Powlus Wheeler directs the Writing Center at Lycoming College. Her poetry chapbook, Lo & Behold, was published by Finishing Line Press. Individual poems of hers have appeared in a wide range of publications. She lives with her husband and children near Williamsport, PA.